Flow controlling support base for ornamental fountains

ABSTRACT

In an ornamental fountain having a liquid discharge nozzle, each of a family of flow controlling support bases for the nozzle produces a uniform liquid flow pattern into the nozzle thereby insuring a symmetrical liquid discharge pattern from the nozzle outlet. Each support base further produces an essentially laminar flow of liquid at the nozzle inlet.

United States Patent Hruby, Jr.

[451 Dec. 12,1972

1541 FLOW CONTROLLING SUPPORT BASE FOR ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAINS 3,342,421 9/1967 Schutte 239/468 2,550,573 4/1951 Lynan ..239/468 1,839,994 1/1932 Proffatt ..239/1s 2,593,517 4/1952 Angulo ..-..239/19 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Canada ..239/470 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-John J. Love Attorney-Christie, Parker & Hale 57] ABSTRACT In an ornamental fountain having a liquid discharge nozzle, each of a family of flow controlling support bases for the nozzle produces a uniform liquid flow pattern into the nozzle thereby insuring a symmetrical liquid discharge pattern from the nozzle outlet. Each support base further produces an essentially laminar flow of liquid at the nozzleinlet.

21 Claims, 13'Drayving Figures Ill %-/92 4 Y PATENTED DEC 12 m2 SHEET 2 BF 7 PATENTEDHEB 12 I872 II II .2:

' SHEET 3 BF 7 l'llll'llll m Um PATENTED um 12 1972 sum u 0F 7 PATENTED BEE 1973 3. 7 O5. 6 8 8 sum 5 OF 7 PATENTED 12 I97? 3. 705 686 sum 7 OF 7 FLOW CONTROLLING SUPPORT BASE FOR ORNAMEN'IAL FOUNTAINS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention This invention relates to ornamental fountains or the like having upwardly discharging liquid discharge nozzles. More specifically, the invention relates to a support base for ornamental fountain liquid discharge nozl zles.

2. Description of the Prior Art Today, ornamental fountains contain a wide variety of nozzles capable of producing a multitude of imaginative and aesthetically pleasing liquiddischarge patterns. These patterns are of two main types, i.e., aerated and non-aerated. Aerated liquid discharge patterns are the result of .a substantially turbulent liquid flow through thenozzle, whereas non-aerated liquid discharge patterns are the result of a substantially laminar liquid flow through the nozzle. More often than not, it is the configuration of the nozzle which ultimately determines whether. the discharge is to be aerated or non-aerated. It is, therefore, desirable to provide an essentially laminar liquid flow at the nozzle inlet so that the nozzle structure may efficiently and predictably continue the laminar flow in its discharge or convert it to a turbulent flow in its discharge.

Originally, and still to a considerable extent, liquid was supplied from a pump or water main to the fountain nozzle through the piping of the fountain installation to a short vertical riser pipe to the upper end 'of which the fountain nozzle was securedrconventionally,

As described in this application, uniform liquid flow rate or uniform liquid flow pattern means that the liquid velocity profile taken in any radial plane through the nozzle inlet is the same whether the liquid flow be laminar or turbulent. Conversely, "nonuniform liquid flow rate or non-uniform liquid flow pattern means that the liquid velocity profile varies from radial plane to radial plane through the nozzle inlet.

For laminar flow in a fully developed state through a duct, the liquid velocity profile is essentially a parabolic curve with flow streamlines of zero velocity at the duct walls and with a maximum velocity streamline at the axis of the duct. The liquid velocity profile for turbulent flow consists of zero velocity streamlines at the duct walls and a maximum velocity streamline at the duct axis. The profile, however, is not parabolic, but rather is relatively flat across the greater part of the duct. ln thecase of fountains, it is desirable to maintain such profiles, whether descriptive of laminar or turbulent flow, uniform through the fountain nozzle inlet. The reason for such desirability, as above described, is to insure symmetrical fountain discharge patterns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION tion insure a symmetrical discharge pattern by producthe fountain piping system included an elbow (sharp right-angled bend) fitting at the lower end of the riser pipe. It was found that such manner of supplying liquid to the nozzle resulted in a more turbulent flow than is desirable at the nozzle inlet.

These early crude, but still common fountain bases, suffered from a more serious disadvantage. Specifically, the right-angled bend at the bottom of the short riser pipe caused a non-uniform liquid fiow pattern, as below defined, at the nozzle inlet, thereby producing asymmetrical fountain discharge patterns. In patterns where symmetry is unimportant, these simple bases perform well. However, in many discharge patterns, asymmetry destroys its entire aesthetic value. Therefore, insuring a symmetrical discharge pattern, regardless of the nozzle used, is extremely desirable.

More recent fountain bases, such as those heretofore manufactured by the assignee of this invention, have improved the laminar quality of liquid applied at the nozzle inlet. Specifically, liquid is fed through the side walls of the nozzle support mounting and into a chamber within the base. The liquid is thereby reduced in velocity since the area and volume of the chamber is substantially greater than the area of the inlet opening to the chamber. A reduction in liquid velocity proportionately reduces the Reynolds Number (N,,) descriptive of the liquid flow. The lower the Reynolds Number, the more likely is the liquid flow to be laminar. This improved fountain base did not, however, eliminate the cause of asymmetrical patterns since the liquid still flowed in an essentially right-angled path, notwithstanding its flow through the internal chamber. Thus, there still existed a non-uniform liquid flow pattern at the nozzle inlet.

ISI'Y ing a uniform liquid flow rate into the fountain nozzle. Furthermore, they provide an essentially laminar liquid flow into the nozzle thereby facilitating the non-aerating or aerating operation of the nozzle as defined by its own structure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fountain base comprises a housing having an internal chamber. A pair of diametrically opposed liquid inlet ducts are defined through the housing side walls into the chamber. A liquid outlet opening is defined through the chamber ceiling and a nozzle engaging collar is mounted on the ceiling exteriorly of the chamber. The collar defines a passage therethrough for receipt of the nozzle; the longitudinal axis of the passage intersects thecenter of the liquid outlet opening. This base is characterized in that the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber in a plane parallel to the chamber floor is at least twice the cross-sectional area of the fountain nozzle at the inlet thereof, and the longitudinal axis of the liquid inlet duct is disposed at a distance from the nozzle inlet at least equal to the mean diameter of the chamber taken in a plane parallel to the chamber floor.

The fountain base, as above defined, provides a pair of opposed inlet flow paths which, by themselves, each extend substantially normal to the outlet from the base. Thus, each inlet flow path alone would decrease the probability of an asymmetrical fountain discharge pattern since it would produce a non-uniform liquid flow rate at the base liquid outlet opening. The presence of diametrically opposed liquid inlet flow paths cancels the adverse symmetrical effects notwithstanding that each flow path through the base is essentially right-angled. Furthermore, the greater area of the inner chamber, relative to the opposing inlet openings, serves to reduce the liquid velocity, and thus the Reynolds Number, thereby providing an essentially laminar liquid flow at the liquid outlet opening of the base, i.e., at nozzle inlet of a fountain nozzle secured to the base.

In another embodiment of the present invention,-a single liquid inlet opening is defined through the housing side wall thereby defining a single inlet flow path into the internal chamber. To compensate for the asymmetrical effects of a substantially right-angled flow to the base outlet opening through the chamber from the inlet opening, a baffle is disposed in the chamber adjacent the inlet opening. This embodiment, by using the baffle, provides a laminar liquid-flow into the nozzle and a symmetrical discharge pattern from the nozzle without requiring the precise chamber/nozzle dimensional relationships of the previously described embodiment.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, beneficial features of both of the above-reviewed embodiments are combined. Thus a fountain'base has a pair of diametrically opposed liquid inlet openings to the inner chamber and a baffle within the chamber. The efficiency of such base, in regard to the symmetry of the discharge and the flow regulation by the nozzle, is thus maximized.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a single liquid inlet opening is defined through the chamber side wall thereby defining a single inlet flow path into the chamber. Instead of using a baffle to compensate for the asymmetrical effects of a substantially right angled flow, the nozzle itself has a portion defined within the chamber, such portion achieving the same effects as a baffle. In accordance with this embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the chamber along the nozzle is made substantially larger than the maximum transverse dimension thereof.

The increased length of the chamber allows a substantial portion of the nozzle to be situated within the chamber thereby insuring a uniform liquid fiow pattern or rate at a location within the nozzle when such a flow pattern is desired. The decreased diameter of the chamber allows smaller diameter bases to be used which still provide essentially laminar liquid flow at the nozzle inlet because of the increased volume of the chamber relative to that of the liquid inlet duct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, advantages and embodiments of the present invention are more clearly defined with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. I is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fountain base in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the fountain base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a symmetrical discharge pattern from the nozzle mounted on the fountain base of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an ornamental fountain system using the fountain base of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of the fountain system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another fountain base according to the present invention;

FIG'. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of yet another fountain base according to this invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of still another fountain base according to this invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of yet another fountain base according to this invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another fountain base according to this invention; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a further fountain base according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS lar aperture 19 defined in the center thereof of radius substantially less than the outer radius of the plate; the plate outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of housing side walls 14.

An internal cylindrically shaped chamber 24' is defined within housing 12 and is bounded by the housing side wall, floor and cover plate. A pair of diametrically opposed liquid inlet openings 26 are defined in through the housing inner side walls at'the inner ends of a pair of diametrically opposed and coaxially aligned liquid inlet ducts 27 into chamber 24. A portion 29 of each inlet duct 27 at its outer end is tapped for receipt of a threaded nipple 33 (FIG. 2) onto which is to be connected a liquid inlet conduit (FIG. 4) for supplying liquid through openings 26. The fact that there are two diametrically opposed inlets leads to one of the unique results achieved by each of the fountain bases of the present invention; such results being explained in greater detail below.

A cylindrically shaped baffle 28 is fitted into cover plate aperture 19 with its upper open outlet end 30 flush with an upper surface 32 of cover plate 18. Baffle 28 has side walls 34 which define an annular notch 36 adjacent upper end 30 so as to be mated with the inner end surface 38 of cover plate 18 bounding and defining aperture 19, end surface 38 defining an annular flange 40 adapted to engage within annular notch 36. The longitudinal axis of baffle 28 is concentric with the axis of symmetry of the base and passes through a point representing the center of aperture 19. The elongate extent of baffle 28, as defined by the distance from its open upper outlet end 30 toan open lower inlet end 31 adjacent the housing floor, is less than the distance from the upper surface of cover plate 18 to an upper surface 42 of housing floor 16.

A liquid flow path is thus defined through fountain base 10 from its diametrically opposed inlets 26, into chamber 24, through a passage 44 defined longitudinally through cylindrical baffle 28, and out aperture 19, which aperture is hereinafter referred to as the liquid outlet opening of base 10.

A cylindrically-shaped nozzle receiving collar 46 is bolted to the upper surface of cover plate 18 by bolts 48 passing through a peripheral flange 50 of collar 46 and ceiling plate 18. The bolts are secured at either end by nuts 52 and are spaced circumferentially about the base along a common circumferential path. The collar has a longitudinal extent defined by the length of its side walls 54, the inner surface 56 of which is threaded for receipt of complementary threads defined at the lower end of the body of aliquiddischarge nozzle 58. A liquid flow passage is thus defined longitudinally through collar 56 to nozzle 58. Nozzle 58 is thus supported in an upright position so thatliquid may be upwardly discharged therefrom. It is to be noted that threading of the nozzle into a threaded collar 46 is preferred only when the nozzle or the base, or both, are made of metal. If both are made of plastic, such as polyvinylchloride, then solvent welding of the nozzle to the collar is preferred. 1

Nozzle 58 is defined by a hollow tubular body 59 having a duct-like chamber 62 defined therethrough between an open lower inlet end 61 and an open upper outlet end 63. Body 59 has a lower threaded extent 60 which is threaded within collar 46. A plug 66 is disposed partially within duct 62, in engagement with body inner side walls 64, and partially without the nozzle. The plug hasaplurality of liquid flow passages 68 defined therethrough and spaced uniformlyabout the circumference of theplug. Each passage 68 is a groove in the periphery of the plug andis tapered froma minimum transverse cross-section adjacent an outer end 70 of plug 66 to a maximum transverse cross-sec-' tion, adjacent aninner end 72 of the plug. A more precise description of nozzle 58'can be found in my copending U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,396.

Generally speaking, however, nozzle 58 is adapted to sentially laminar in nature. The first resultaids in the production of an entirely symmetrical discharge pattern and the second aids in the production of an essentially non-aerated, laminar discharge from the nozzle.

In operation, liquid is fed at the desired pressure into chamber24 through the pair of diametrically opposed inlet ducts 27 defined through housing side walls 14. Since the effective overall area of chamber 24 is substantially greater than the aggregate effective area of the inlet duets, the velocity of liquid flow in the chamber is substantially less than through ducts 27. A decrease in liquid velocity proportionately decreases the Reynolds Number N and the lower the value of N the more laminar (or less turbulent) the flow. Thus an essentially laminar flow is present at the inlet to passage 44 defined through cylindrical baffle 28. It is to be noted that, even though the effective area of passage 44 relative to chamber 24 may cause a nominal velocity increase and thus a larger value of N the velocity of liquid at base outlet opening 19 (or inlet 61 of nozzle 58) is still substantially less than the velocity of liquid flowing through inlet openings 26. Thus, an essentially laminar non-turbulent liquid flow characteristic is presented to the nozzle.

As previously pointed out, an essentially laminar input liquid flow into the nozzle isnot only desirable if the nozzle is to produce a non-aerated discharge but is also beneficial when the nozzle is structured to convert laminar to turbulent flow in order to produce an aerated discharge. In designing an aerating fountain nozzle, certain assumptions must be made concerning the nature of the liquid flow upon which the nozzle structure operates to produce the desired discharge pattern. Fountain base 10 contributes significantly to assuring that the conditions assumed in the design and manufacture of the aerating nozzle are present during ing a uniform liquid flow rate atnozzle inlet61. As

defined previously, the term uniform liquid flow rate means that the liquid velocity profile, taken in any radial plane through the nozzle adjacent its inlet, is the same whether the liquid flow be laminar or turbulent.

In fountain base 10, a uniform liquid flow rate is achieved primarily by the interaction of the liquid entering chamber 24 through the pair of diametrically opposed liquid inlet ducts 27. Specifically, if only one opening were present, the liquid would flow essentially in a right-angled path through chamber 24 and into baffle passage 44. As has been seen, such a flow path produces a non-uniform liquid flow rate at lower inlet end 31 of passage 44. By having a pair of diametrically opposed inlet duets, with aligned axes, the adverse effects of such right-angled flow effectively cancel out.

If passage 44 is made long enough, consistent with the height limitations of the base, fully developed laminar flow will be achieved prior to reaching outlet opening 19 even if only a single inlet opening is employed. A uniform liquid flow rate is established at a fully developed laminar flow. It can be seen, therefore, that a uniform liquid flow rate is present at nozzle inlet 61 if baffle 28 is used, whether or not one or two inlets are used. Additionally, a uniform liquid flow rate is present at the nozzle inlet if diametrically opposing aligned ducts 27 are used, whether or not baffle 28 is used. As shall be more fully described below, however, in nozzles having a pair of opposing inlets with no baffle, it is important that the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber in a plane parallel to the chamber floor be at least twice the cross-sectional area of the fountain nozzle at the inlet thereof. It is also desired that the effective spacing along the axis of the nozzle of the liquid inlet to the chamber from the nozzle inlet be at least equal to the mean diameter of the chamber taken in a plane parallel to the chamber floor in those instances where the mean chamber cross-sectional area is equal to twice the area of the inlet to the fountain nozzle; this effective spacing is provided in fountain base 10 by the presence of baffle 28 which causes the flow path from chamber inlets 26 to nozzle inlet 61 to be folded on itself. From what has been described above, therefore, a combination of both diametrically opposed inlet ducts 27 and baffle 28 maximizes the production of a uniform liquid flow rate. In this sense, the fountain base 10 is a preferred construction according to the invention.

This invention comprehends not only the precise structure of fountain base 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but also the above-mentioned modifications which is to be noted that a base having only diametrically opposed inlet ducts and no baffle may be used.

As exemplary of the context in which fountain base 10 operates, consider the ornamental fountain system shown in FIGS. 4 and and designated generally by the reference numeral 72. The system is of the recirculating liquid type wherein liquid is stored as a pool in a bowl or container 74 and is-used and reused by nozzle 58 in producing its discharge. The recirculation cycle commences by liquid flowing from the pool into a conduit 76 through a pool outlet 78 defined in the bottom of container 74. Conduit 76, in turn, guides the liquid to a liquid pump 80 where the liquid is pumped into fountain base through its diametrically opposed inlet ducts-27 by means of a conduit network 82. Conduit network-includes a pipe 84 having a single input end 86, coupled to the outlet'of pump 80, and a pair of diverging output ends 88. A pair of hoses 89 couple the pipe outletends to respective fountain base nipples 33. The hoses are clamped at their ends to pipe 84 and nipples 33 by means of hose clamps 92. 1 As has already been shown, liquid entering opposing inlet openings 26 is translated into an essentially laminartlow with a uniform liquid flow rate at nozzle inlet 61. Nozzle 58 thereby produces a symmetrical non-aerated discharge pattern of the configuration shown in FIG. 3. The recirculation cycle is completed by liquid from the discharge pattern falling back into the pool within container 74.

As best shown in FIG. 5, each of the fountain bases according to the present invention, as exemplified by base 10, is designed to be fully submerged under the surface of the liquid poolwithin container 74. Furthermore, the distance of the base from the water surface is desirably variable so as to enable the base to support varying lengths of nozzles. Since the outlet end of the nozzle must be above the water surface for a proper discharge pattern to be produced, adjustability of the vertical position of the base is helpful. In this regard, a plurality of adjustable legs 94 are spaced about the lower periphery of the base side walls.

Each leg 94 is defined by an arm 96 extending laterally of the sidewalls and having an aperture 98 defined therethrough (see FIG. 2). The apertures are each tapped for threading receipt of adjustable screws 100. Progression-of each of screws 100 through apertures 98 in a downward direction causes the base to rise. It is obvious that, if desired, the pitch or tilt of the base relative to the water surface could be adjusted in a like manner. Since, however, the fountain bases of the present invention are uniquely designed to achieve symmetrical discharge patterns, having any degree of pitch or tilt would be undesirable. Thus, screws 100 can be used to insure the levelness of base 10.

In numerous instances, it is desirable to have a discharge pattern reflect any one or more of a number of colors. Such color reflection greatly enhances the aesthetic value and beauty of the fountaindischarge pattern. With this in mind, the fountain bases of the present invention, as used in an ornamental fountain, such as fountain 74, may cooperate with a plurality of multi-colored light assemblies 114. With specific regard to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of hollow tubular arms 102 are spaced about the periphery of base 10 and are each mounted thereto by means of coupling plate 104 bolted at one end to base cover plate 18 by bolt 20 and an additional bolt 106 secured by nuts 22 and 108, respectively, and bolted at its other end to the arm by bolt 110 and nut-112. There are also other ways of securing arms 102 to the housing. For instance, a cylindrical recess for each arm could be formed into, but not through, the chamber side walls for receiving one end of the arm. Bolting and securing of each arm to the housing could be accomplished by using through bolts 20 and nuts 22 to bolt not only plate 18 to the housing side walls, but also to fix the ends of arms 102 within their associatedrecesses. This alternative approach is illustrated in FIG. 16 and will be more fully described relative to such Figure below.

' Fountain. 74 is shownhaving six radially extendin arms 102 each containing four lamp assemblies 114 mounted thereon. Desirably, each lamp assembly is disposed a slight distance beneath the surface of the liquid so as to insure that the light rays properly reflect off the particles of liquid forming the discharge pattern. Preferably, each assembly 114 is disposed at a preselected fixed distance from the center of base 10 in a manner such that the light assemblies which are mounted closest to base 10 all lie along a common radius, the assemblies next closest all lie along a larger common radius, and so on. Also, it is desirable for the lamp assemblies on each radius to have the same color and the assemblies on different radii to have varying colors. In order that the discharge pattern properly reflect each color, it is necessary for the angle of declination of the lampsfrom a vertical position to increase as they are situated further from the base.,Thus, as an example, the light assemblies on the shorter radius, i.e., closest base 10, are declined 5 from the vertical, the next closest assemblies are declined 10, the next l5, and the furthest from the base, i.e., those on the largest radius, are declined 20. This is shown in FIG. 5.

The manner of mounting each lamp assembly 114 to its associated hollow cylindrical arm 102 is shown in FIG. 8. Basically, a U-shaped yoke 116 is mounted at its opposite ends to the sides of a colored lamp 118, supported by a lamp casing 119, by means of mounting blocks interposed between the ends of the yoke and fixed to a lamp casing flange 122. The associated arm 102 is positioned adjacent lamp casing 119 and in abutment with yoke 116 at its mid-point. A bolt 121 and nut 123.secure the arm to the yoke thereby mounting the light assembly a fixed distance from base 10. Preferably, the upper surfaces 120a, 120b, et. seq. of each block are inclined at a different fixed angular relationship relative to arms 102. In this manner, the appropriate angular inclination of assemblies lying along the same or different radii can be established. Thus, upper surface 120a is inclined 5 relative to arm 102, whereas upper surface 120b is inclined 10, 120c (not shown) is at 15, and so on. It is to be further noted that blocks 120 may each be color coded so as to correspond to the correct assembly 114.

In summation, therefore, fountain base 10, as used in fountain 74, with nozzle 58 produces a symmetrical, non-aerated, selectively colorable liquid discharge substantially in the form as shown in FIG. 3.

reasons heretofofe discussed. 1

Base 126 is structurally similar to base 10 in that it has a cylindricalhousing 12 and nozzle engaging collar 46 identical with those of base 10. Base 126, however, has only a single inlet opening 128 defining a liquid inlet duct 129 through housing side wall 14, duct 129 being structurally identical with ducts 27 of base 10: A cylindrical baffle 130 is positioned within chamber 24 in the identical manner as described concerning baffle 28 of base 10. Thus,'it has an open lower inlet end 131 adjacent housing floor 16 and an open upper outlet end 133 engaged within aperture 19 flush with the upper surface of cover plate18. If desired, baffle 130 may be modified to have the form of a portion of a tube of the same diameter as baffle 130 extended from cover plate 18 to actual contact with base floor 16, centered in line withinlet opening 128, and extending at least 120 around the periphery of the base outlet opening.

Baffle 130 differs, however, from baffle 28 in that it has a peripheral flange 132 extending "downwardly from lower end 131 very closely adjacent housing floor 16, the flange also being located laterally adjacent inlet opening 128 and extending around at least one-third the circumference of the baffle. The midlengtli of flange 132 is centered adjacent inlet opening 128. The purpose of flange 132 is to compensate for the adverse effects inherent in right-angled flow ofliquid from inlet 128 into a passage 135 defined through baffle 130. Flange 132 increases the distance the liquid has to flow in the chamber to passage 135 by forcing it to enter the baffle passage via the non-flanged portion of the baffle. This longer distance enables a uniform liquid flow rate to be reached prior to the liquid reaching the baffle upon end and base outlet opening 19. Thus, a symmetrical pattern may be more easily achieved by an appropriate nozzle threaded into collar 46.

The liquid flow at outlet 19 of base 126, in addition to being at a uniform flow rate, also is essentially laminar in nature by virtue of a liquid velocity reduction between the inlet opening to the outlet opening, the velocity being decreased since the effective area of passage 135 is substantially greater than that of inlet opening 128. Thus, the desired discharge, from whatever nozzle is to be used with base 128, whether it be aerated or non-aerated, is more readily attainable.

Still another alternative fountain base of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 and is designated generally by the reference numeral 154. Base 154 differs from the previously described bases in that it is fabricated of essentially identically matched halves 156 and 158 which are bolted together by bolts 160 and associated nuts 162 spaced uniformly about the circumference of the base. Halves 156 and 158 have identical dished recesses 164 and 166, respectively. Insection diametrically through the base (as per FIG. 9), the curvature of each dished recess resembles a portion of an ellipse, symmetrical about the minor axis of the ellipse, but constituting less than one-half of the periphery of the ellipse, such as about 40 percent of the periphery. This is important for the reasons explained below.

zle inlet, as defined at base outlet opening 19, for the 10 An inner chamber 168 is defined. by recesses 1 64 and 166 when the two halves are joined. Chamber168 is configured to function as a diverging expansion nozzle to liquid introduced thereinto through a pair of diametrically opposed liquid inlet openings 169 definedat one end of an associated pair of coaxially aligned liquid inlet ducts 170. A pair of diametricallyopposed and coaxially aligned inlet nipple tubes 172 are glued into the inlet ducts and extendradiallyoutwardly of .the base for connection to suitable hoses or the like. It is to be noted that two of bolts pass diametrically through respective ones of the inlet nipple tubes. The

cooperation of each inletnipple tubewith a throughbolt 160 assures that the nipple tube cannot beforced out of the base by high liquid pressure during use of the base. In addition, the presence of a bolt 160 across.

each inlet duct has a beneficial effect upon the performance of the base in providing a uniform liquid flow rate at a liquidoutlet opening 173 defined at an end of a liquid outlet duct 174 extending verticallythrough base half 156 coaxially of chamber 168; A uniform liquid flow rate through outlet duct 174 is achieved mainly by the cancellation effects of the-diametrically opposedliquid inlet ducts (as above described with regard to the other bases) and also by the cooperation of bolts 160 within inlet ducts 170.

A nozzle 176 is shown with its liquid inlet end 177 fixed adjacent outlet duct 17 4 by being threaded within a nozzle engaging and receiving collar 178 fixed to an upper surface 180 of base half 156, the longitudinal axis of the collar being concentric with the longitudinal axis of outlet duct 174.

The curvature of dished recesses 164 and 166 is important in defining a chamber 168 which functions much as a diverging expansion nozzle. Like base 126 (FIG. 6), base 154 has no central tubular baffle. The expansion nozzle effect of chamber 168, however, efficiently reduces the velocity of liquid entering the chamber without significant frictional losses. Therefore, the Reynolds Number of liquid flowing through ducts 172 is reduced by the chamber to establish an essentially laminar flow through outlet duct 174 intonoz zle 176. t

Base 154 is functionally similar to the previously discussed bases in that it provides a uniform liquid flow rate, which is essentially laminar in nature, at the inlet to a liquid discharge nozzle supported by the base. Base 154, however, is especially well suited for use in high pressure fountain installations because the parti-elliptical configuration of the chamber, defined by recesses 164 and 166, gives added strength to the base. This added strength enables the base to be made relatively small, in a vertical dimension, thereby decreasing the required water depth in the fountain pool. Added strength for high pressure usage is also supplied, in part, by the pair of through-bolts 160 situate in respective ones of the diametrically opposed liquid inlet ducts and thus through the opposed nipple tubes. As heretofore stated, these two bolts insure that the nipples are not forced out of their associated ducts during high pressure use.

Still another ornamental fountain base 182 is shown in FIG. 10 in operative combination with a liquid discharge nozzle, such as nozzle 58, which is generally similar to the nozzle shown in FIG. 4. Base 182, however, is not confined to use with nozzle 58, but maybe used with any elongate tubular liquid discharge nozzle. Base 182 is generally defined by bolting essentially identical cylindrical housing parts 184 and 186 together. Specifically, housing part 184 has a closed upper end 188 through which is channeled an outlet opening 190 of diameter somewhat larger than the outer diameter of nozzle 58'. Housing 184 part further has side walls 192 extending from closed end 188 to an open lower end 194, walls 192 circumscribing a downwardly open recess 193 in part 184. An inlet duct 196 is defined through side walls 192. Housing part 186 is dimensionally identical to housing 184 and has a fully closed lower end 198 and side walls 200 extending from closed lower end 198 to an upper open end 202 around an upwardly open recess 203; housing part 186 has no structural features corresponding to outlet opening 190 or inlet duct 196 of part 184.

. In fabricating base 182, housing 184 is placed with its open lower end in abutting relationship with open upper end 202 of housing part 186 so thatrecesses 193 and 203 cooperate to define flow velocity reducing chamber 208. The two housings are aligned, relativeto their outer surfaces, and then bolted together by a plurality of through bolts 204, and associated nuts 206, spaced circumferentiallyaround the base at regular intervals. Chamber 208, therefore, has side walls defined by side walls 192 and 200 of housing parts 184 and 186, respectively. Chamber 208 further has a ceiling 210 defined by the inner surface of upper end 188 of housing part 184 and a floor 212 defined by the inner surface of closed lower end 198 of housing part 186.

Chamber 208 is essentially twice the elongate (vertical) extent of inner chamber 24 of the base of FIGS. 1 and 2 since base 182 is formed essentially by stacking two of housings 12 together in flipflop relationship as above described. The greater elongate extent 1 of chamber 208 permits the diameter of base 182 to be decreased and still maintain the beneficial liquid velocity reduction from liquid inlet duct 196 to an inlet end 214 of nozzle 58'. The decreased diameter of base 182 allows the base to be made more compact and still handle the same liquid flow capacity in an essentially laminar state. Smaller diameter bases may be important when a plurality of bases are desired to be used in a common fountain pool in which available space may be a significant factor.

As shown in FIG. 10, nozzle 58 is very similar to nozzle 58 and has its liquid inlet end 214 adjacent chamber floor 212 and an outlet end 216 situated exteriorly of the base at a distance therefrom sufficient to be located above the desired water level of the fountain pool. It is desirable that a substantial portion of nozzle 58' be situated within chamber 208. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the portion of nozzle 58' within the chamber is closely adjacent chamber floor 212. As indicated in regard to the other support bases described, it is desirable to provide a uniform liquid flow rate or pattern through the inlet portion of the nozzle to that portion of the nozzle structure which the characteristics of the desired fountain pattern are defined so that the liquid discharge pattern from the nozzle is symmetrical. By having nozzle 58' extend within chamber 208 by a substantial amount, the adverse asymmetrical effects of right-angled flow through the chamber are substantially reduced. In other words, the lower-portion of nozzle 58' takes the place of and serves the same purpose as a baffle, such as baffle of base 126.

Baffle 130 of base 126 forces the liquid to flow from the inlet duct to the outlet opening through the baffle by entering the baffle rearwardly thereof relative to its front side adjacent the inlet duct. In other words, the liquid flow path in base 126 is increased in length giving the flow a chance to reach a uniform flow rate or pattern by the time it exits from the chamber into the nozzle. With base 182, nozzle 58' is, itself, acting as the baffle in forcing liquid to flow from inlet duct 196, adjacent the chamber ceiling, to nozzle inlet 214, adjacent the chamber floor, i.e., liquid flows along a substantially lengthened path. It is thus important to main tain the distance between inlet duct 196 and nozzle inlet 214 at a maximum by placing the inlet duct closely adjacent chamber ceiling 210 and the nozzle inlet closely adjacent chamber floor 212.

A nozzle receiving collar 46, identical to that of base 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, is bolted to the base at the outer surface of closed lower end 188 of housing by bolts 48 and nuts 49. Collar 46 is intemally threaded for receiving athreaded portion 218 of the nozzle outer surface between its inlet and outer ends. Like all the nozzles of the present invention, they may be welded to collar 46 if both are fabricated of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. To insure a uniform liquid flow rate through the nozzle, threaded portion 218 is preferably located closer to nozzle outlet 216 than to inlet 214 to enable as much of the body of nozzle 58' as possible to be disposed within chamber 208.

Yet another fountain base 220 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 11. Base 220 is very similar to base 10 and can also be used with nozzle 58. Base 220 differs in that baffle 34 has been deleted and replaced by a conical projection 222 extending from a maximum cross-sectional area at the chamber floor to a minimum cross-sectional area adjacent the nozzle inlet. Conical projection 222, although reducing the overall effective chamber area of chamber 24 thereby reducing the velocity reduction qualities of the chamber, still achieves laminar liquid flow at the nozzle inlet since the liquid is confined to flow along the cylindrically concave surface 224 defined by projection 222. By the time liquid entering opposing inlets 27 reaches nozzle inlet 61, the flow is laminar. Additionally, the flow is uniform, i.e., uniform liquid flow rate, at nozzle inlet '61 since the increased flow distance of the liquid along surface 224 effectively substitutes for the effects of baffle 28. Base 220, therefore, like each of the other bases described, achieves a symmetrical discharge from nozzles such as nozzle 58.

Still yet another fountain base 226 of the family of fountain bases according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 12. The base is substantially cylindrical in configuration having a main hollow cylindrical housing 228. Housing 228 is defined by a pair of cylindrical housing parts 230 and 232 being bolted together at spaced points along their peripheries by bolts 234 and nuts 236. Housing part 232 is defined by an upstanding circular side wall 238 defined about the periphery of a housing floor 240. A single liquid inlet duct 242, like duct 27 of base 10,.is defined through side wall 238 and defines-a liquid inlet opening 244 into a substantially cylindrical inner chamber 246 bounded by housing parts 230 and 232. An inner surface 248 is substantially vertically oriented at duct 242 and is concave in orientation at a point diametrically opposite duct 242. In fact, inner surface 248 becomesuniformly more concave as one views it further from duct 242 and closer to a point diametrically opposite duct 242. The significance of concaved inner surface 242 at a point opposite from duct 242 is explained below.

Housing part 230 has a conical inner surface 250 which extends from a maximum diameter at the junction with housing part 232, to a minimum diameter adjacent a liquid outlet opening 252 from chamber 246.

Thecounterpart of a nozzle engaging collar 46 is defined by the upper end of housing part 230 and is internally threaded for receipt of a liquid discharge nozzle, such as nozzle 58. The liquid inlet end 61 of the nozzle is flush with liquid outlet opening 252 from chamber 246. Chamber 246 is designed to compensate for the absence of a baffle, such as baffle 28 of base 10. In other words, the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber in a plane parallel with the chamber floor, as measured by mean diameter X, is essentially twice the inlet area Z of nozzle 58. Furthermore, duct 242 is disposed through side walls 238 closely adjacent housing floor 240 so that the distance from the longitudinal axis of duct 242 to nozzle inlet 61, i;e., distance Y, is essentially equal to distance X. Thus,.liquid is forced to flow from inlet opening 244 to outlet opening 252 over a sufficient distance and through a sufficient area to insure a uniform liquid flow rate or flow pattern at nozzle inlet 61 without the need of a baffle.

It is desired mall the nozzles of the present invention that the liquid flow at the nozzle inlet be laminar and not turbulent. Turbulence is effectively eliminated in those bases provided with a pair of opposing inlets, and in bases with a single inlet but having a baffle. Base 226, however, has no such baffle and the described X, Y and Z relations of the chamber insure a uniform liquid flow rate. However, because side wall 238 has its surface 248 concave at a point diametrically opposite inlet duct 242, the turbulence that would be generated by liquid entering the chamber, reflecting off surface 242 and then travelingin an essentially right-angled path to the nozzle inlet is substantially reduced. In other words, liquid entering chamber 246. passes against side wall surface 248 at points essentially diametrically opposite inlet opening 244 where surface 248 is concave. Such liquid is then confined to flow along the concave extent of surface 248 and then along the tapered inner surface 250 of housing part 230 to outlet opening 252. In this manner, liquid is not reflected back to the inlet opening and does not travel along an essentially right-angled path. Thus turbulence is effectively eliminated thereby insuring essentially laminar liquid flow at nozzle inlet 61.

Still another fountain base 254 is shown in FIG. 13 which is very similar to base 182 of FIG. 10. The only differences reside in the structure of, and positioning of, a liquid inlet end 256 of a nozzle 258 within chamber 208. Instead of locating the nozzle inlet end in proximity to the bottom of the chamber to provide a baffling effect, as was the case in nozzle 58' of FIG. 10, the inlet end of nozzle 258 is spaced substantially above floor 212 of chamber 208, but still below the location of liquid inlet duct 196 into the chamber. Baffling is provided by a circular flange260 which extends around the periphery of the lower end of the nozzle body to provide an annular opening of restricted area between the upper portion of chamber 208 to which inlet duct 196 opens and the lowerportion of chamber 208 with which nozzle 258 communicates.

What has been described, therefore, is a unique family of flow controlling support bases for liquid discharge nozzles useful in ornamental fountains. Each base produces a uniform liquid flow rate at the portion of the nozzle where such flow rate is most desirable thereby insuring a symmetrical liquid discharge pattern from the nozzle outlet. Furthermore, each base contributes to the desired discharge pattern by supplying an essentially laminar liquid flow at the nozzle inlet.

, The foregoing description has been presented with reference to certain specific structural arrangements embodying the invention. These arrangements have been illustrated and described for the purposes of example and illustration and are not exhaustive of all forms which the invention may assume. Therefore, the foregoing description and the accompanying figures should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: e

1. An ornamental fountain assembly comprising:

a. a nozzle support housing defining therein a chamber having side walls, a ceiling, a floor and a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration transversely of the height thereof; 7

b. a liquid inlet duct communicating with the chamber through'the side walls thereof;'

c. a liquid outlet opening defined from the chamber through the chamber ceiling substantially coaxially of the chamber and having an area less-than the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber transversely of the height thereof;

d. an ornamental fountain nozzle carried by the housing circumferentially of theoutlet opening of the housing with the inlet of the nozzle in liquid flow communication with the chamber; and

e. liquid flow controlling and directing means operatively associated with ,the path of liquid flow through the chamber from the opening of the liquid inlet duct to the chamber to the nozzle inlet and proportioned and arranged in cooperation with the nozzle for causing liquid flowing along the path at the nozzle inlet to have an essentially laminar axial flow characteristic and. an essentially uniform liquid flow pattern, said means including the proportioning of the chamber to have a mean cross-sectional area in a plane parallel to the chamber floor which is substantially greater than the effective liquid inlet flow area to the chamber.

2. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of upper and lower mated parts, and a plurality of bolts securing the housing parts in mated engagement with each other, one of the bolts being disposed to pass substantially diametrically through the inlet duct adjacent the chamber.

3. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the side walls of the chamber diverge from a minimum chamber cross-sectional area, taken in a plane parallel to the chamber ceiling, closely adjacent the chamber ceiling to a maximum chamber cross-sectional area, taken in a plane parallel to the chamber ceiling, adjacent the chamber floor.

4. The fountain assembly of claim 1, further comprising another liquid inlet duct defined through the housing and communicating with the chamber through the side walls thereof, said another liquid inlet duct being in coaxially aligned relationship 'with the first liquid inlet duct. I

5. The fountain assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and another inlet ducts open to the chamber at opposed locations diametrically of the chamber.

6. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber is of substantially cylindrical configuration.

7. The fountain assembly of claim 6, wherein the mean cross-section area of the chamber in a plane parallel to the chamber floor is essentially twice the nozzle inlet area, and the effective spacing of the axis of the chamber inlet duct from the chamber outlet opening along a line normal to said plane is at least equal to of the chamber parallel to said chamber is configured to function as an expansion nozzle upon liquid introduced into the chamber through the inlet ducts.

11. The fountain assembly of claim 10 wherein the chamber ceiling and floor are configured to be substantially identical to the surface of revolution defined by rotating a portion of the periphery of an ellipse about the minor axis of the ellipse.

12. The fountain assembly of claim 11, wherein said portion of the periphery of the ellipse is centered about the minor axis thereof and is less than one-half the total periphery of the ellipse.

13. The fountain assembly of claim 12, wherein said portion of the periphery of the ellipse constitutes about 40 percent of the periphery of the ellipse.

14. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the controlling and directing means includes baffle means in the chamber for directing liquid flow in the chamber from the inlet duct to the outlet opening.

15. The fountain assembly of claim 14, wherein'the baffle means includes a conical projection extending inwardly of the chamber from a maximum cross-sectional area of the projection atthe chamber floor to a minimum cross-sectional area thereof adjacent the chamber ceiling. v

16. The fountain assembly of claim 15, wherein the liquid outlet opening is concentric with the axis of the conical projection.

17. The fountain assembly of claim 14 wherein the baffle means extends from the chamber ceiling within the chamber adjacent the liquid inlet duct to proximate the chamber floor.

18. The fountain assembly of claim 17, wherein the baffle is cylindrical. I

19. The fountain assembly of claim 18, wherein the baffle has a portion of its periphery adjacent the liquid inlet duct closer to the chamber floor than the rest of its periphery.

20. Thefountain assembly of claim 17, further comprising another liquid inlet duct defined through the housing and communicating with the chamber through the side walls thereof, said another liquid inlet duct being in coaxially aligned opposed relationship with the first liquid inlet duct.

21. The fountain assembly of claim 17, wherein the baffle is spaced from and is curved concentric to the chamber axis and subtends an arc of at least about Pmmm UNWED STATES PA'llilN'l OFFICE (CERTIFICATE 0i CGRRJL ,HUN

Patent No. 3,705,686 Dated December 12, 1972 Inventor(s) John O. Hruby, Jr,

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 55, for "decrease" read increase line 60', for "symmetrical" read asymmetrical Signed arid sealed this 3rd day of July 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. Rene Tegtmeyer Attesting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents 

1. An ornamental fountain assembly comprising: a. a nozzle support housing defining therein a chamber having side walls, a ceiling, a floor and a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration transversely of the height thereof; b. a liquid inlet duct communicating with the chamber through the side walls thereof; c. a liquid outlet opening defined from the chamber through the chamber ceiling substantially coaxially of the chamber and having an area less than the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber transversely of the height thereof; d. an ornamental fountain nozzle carried by the housing circumferentially of the outlet opening of the housing with the inlet of the nozzle in liquid flow communication with the chamber; and e. liquid flow controlling and directing means operatively associated with the path of liquid flow through the chamber from the opening of the liquid inlet duct to the chamber to the nozzle inlet and proportioned and arranged in cooperation with the nozzle for causing liquid flowing along the path at the nozzle inlet to have an essentially laminar axial flow characteristic and an essentially uniform liquid flow pattern, said means including the proportioning of the chamber to have a mean cross-sectional area in a plane parallel to the chamber floor which is substantially greater than the effective liquid inlet flow area to the chamber.
 2. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of upper and lower mated parts, and a plurality of bolts securing the housing parts in mated engagement with each other, one of the bolts being disposed to pass substantially diametrically through the inlet duct adjacent the chamber.
 3. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the side walls of the chamber diverge from a minimum chamber cross-sectional area, taken in a plane parallel to the chamber ceiling, closely adjacent the chamber ceiling to a maximum chamber cross-sectional area, taken in a plane parallel to the chamber ceiling, adjacent the chamber floor.
 4. The fountain assembly of claim 1, further comprising another liquid inlet duct defined through the housing and communicating with the chamber through the side walls thereof, said another liquid inlet duct being in coaxially aligned relationship with the first liquid inlet duct.
 5. The fountain assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and another inlet ducts open to the chamber at opposed locations diametrically of the chamber.
 6. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber is of substantially cylindrical configuration.
 7. The fountain assembly of claim 6, wherein the mean cross-section area of the chamber in a plane parallel to the chamber floor is essentially twice the nozzle inlet area, and the effective spacing of the axis of the chamber inlet duct from the chamber outlet opening along a line normal to said plane is at least equal to the mean dimension of the chamber parallel to said plane.
 8. The fountain assembly of claim 6, wherein the liquid inlet duct is situated closer to the chamber ceiling than to the chamber floor.
 9. The fountain assembly of claim 6, wherein the mean cross-sectional area of the chamber in a plane parallel to the chamber floor is at least twice the flow area of the nozzle at the inlet thereof.
 10. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to function as an expansion nozzle upon liquid introduced into the chamber through the inlet ducts.
 11. The fountain assembly of claim 10 wherein the chamber ceiling and floor are configured to be substantially identical to the surface of revolution defined by rotating a portion of the periphery of an ellipse about the minor axis of the ellipse.
 12. The fountain assembly of claim 11, wherein said portion of the periphery of the ellipse is centered about the minor axis thereof and is less than one-half the total periphery of the ellipse.
 13. The fountain assembly of claim 12, wherein said portion of the periphery of the ellipse constitutes about 40 percent of the periphery of the ellipse.
 14. The fountain assembly of claim 1, wherein the controlling and directing means includes baffle means in the chamber for directing liquid flow in the chamber from the inlet duct to the outlet opening.
 15. The fountain assembly of claim 14, wherein the baffle means includes a conical projection extending inwardly of the chamber from a maximum cross-sectional area of the projection at the chamber floor to a minimum cross-sectional area thereof adjacent the chamber ceiling.
 16. The fountain assembly of claim 15, wherein the liquid outlet opening is concentric with the axis of the conical projection.
 17. The fountain assembly of claim 14 wherein the baffle means extends from the chamber ceiling within the chamber adjacent the liquid inlet duct to proximate the chamber floor.
 18. The fountain assembly of claim 17, wherein the baffle is cylindrical.
 19. The fountain assembly of claim 18, wherein the baffle has a Portion of its periphery adjacent the liquid inlet duct closer to the chamber floor than the rest of its periphery.
 20. The fountain assembly of claim 17, further comprising another liquid inlet duct defined through the housing and communicating with the chamber through the side walls thereof, said another liquid inlet duct being in coaxially aligned opposed relationship with the first liquid inlet duct.
 21. The fountain assembly of claim 17, wherein the baffle is spaced from and is curved concentric to the chamber axis and subtends an arc of at least about 120*. 